Piedra Vista volleyball awarded No. 1 seed in 4A state tournament

FARMINGTON — For the second-straight season, the Piedra Vista volleyball team is the No. 1 seed in the 4A state tournament.

The Lady Panthers were awarded the seed by the New Mexico Activities Association selection committee on Sunday after sweeping the District 1-4A regular season and tournament titles.

"It's a big accomplishment. I know how hard it is to get to that point. I'm proud of the girls for their hard work," said PV head coach Ron Becker.

No. 1 PV received an intriguing draw in pool play after being placed with No. 8 St. Pius X and No. 9 Santa Fe.

The Lady Panthers matched up with the Lady Sartans last season in the state title match with St. Pius coming out on top.

PV also played St. Pius earlier this season, winning in straight sets.

Farmington High and Aztec joined PV in the 4A tournament.

FHS received the No. 7 seed and will face No. 2 Goddard and No. 10 Los Lunas in pool play.

"I like our pool and I feel comfortable," said FHS head coach Dan Hickman. "It's always going to be tough, but I think it speaks highly of the girls and what they've done."

Hickman thinks his team can make a run to at least the quarterfinals, and possibly deeper, if they can get on a roll.

"If we can get in the top eight, it will be a good mark for our program," he said. "Obviously, I'd like to go further than that though."

Aztec was the last team in the 4A field at No. 12 and will be in a pool with No. 4 Centennial and No. 5 Espanola Valley.

"They're are all excited," Lady Tigers' head coach Anna Strauss said of her players. "I think the girls are playing well and just need to stay focused."

Aztec met Espanola Valley once this season, playing a tight match before losing in the fifth set.

All three coaches spoke of how strong the district was and it being a major reason why three teams were able to get into the postseason.

"I think it says a lot about the volleyball in the area," Becker said. "In the past, people thought the teams from the area weren't as strong, but I'm happy to see Aztec in. They are as tough as any No. 12 seed in the state."

In 3A, Shiprock was seeded No. 11 after earning its spot in pool play by winning the District 1-3A tournament.

The Lady Chieftains were given a difficult draw though, matching up with No. 3 Pojoaque Valley and No. 6 Ruidoso -- the two schools that played for the state title last season.

"It was close to where I expected to be seeded," said Shiprock head coach Rae Collins. "It's going to be good and the girls are excited and they're welcoming the challenge. Everything we've been working on the whole season is starting to click."